Celebrating a decade of Transformation in Africa a…
CMS-Africa marked 10 years since its formation as an autonomous Mission Agency from Africa to the rest of the world. CMS Africa which was formed from the Church Mission marked the 10TH Anniversary with celebrations with the opening of a new International Missions Headquarters in Central Nairobi. ‘CMS Africa House’ was officially opened by Revd Donald Mtetemela, Archbishop of Tanzania (Retired), Revd Onesphore Rwaje, Archbishop of Rwanda (Retired), at a ceremony attended by 200 key church leaders from across Africa, including Dennis Tongoi, CMS Africa’s outgoing International Director, and Canon Moses Bushendich, CMS Africa’s newly appointed International Director.
The new building, which comprises office space, conference facilities and parking, will form a central hub for mission in Africa as CMS Africa seeks to fulfil its vision to impact 50 million families across the continent by 2050, through its transformational programme of training focusing on women's empowerment, families, young people, and business owners and leaders. Canon Moses described the new building “as a miracle of faith, belief and trust in God”. Speaking before the opening ceremony, he said; “The new building will provide a base for CMS Africa, a place where Africans can pray for mission and the means to make CMS Africa sustainable".
The 13 storey building, which took three years to construct, is based in the vibrant Nairobi’s Kilimani area and is an integral element of CMS Africa’s strategic vision to bring spiritual and wholistic transformation to Africa. Since its inception in 2008, CMS Africa has grown to include a growing team of missionaries and country coordinators in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi. It has developed bespoke training courses such as Business as Mission, Financial Freedom for Women and it’s 3D youth development training programme, that have been delivered to over 20,000 people across the region.
Through its training programmes families learn how to handle money, women are taught to value themselves and business owners are shown how to run ethical businesses. Rev. Dr. Dennis Tongoi, summed up the vision succinctly, "We believe in church on Monday. That the church is not just the gathered church on Sundays but should be evident from Monday to Monday in the church dispersed as Christians go about the marketplace", he said.
Dr Tongoi, who is retiring after 10 years at the helm of Africa CMS, concluded; "As I come to the end my tenure as Director of Africa CMS the overriding emotion I feel is joy at seeing people that God has raised up and I have had the privilege to work alongside, impacting countless lives as God works through this ministry”.
Revd Steve Maina, the Executive leader of New Zealand CMS (himself a Kenyan) gave the keynote address. He was clear that Missions is about people. It is not about this iconic building but the people who are firing one another up to transform Africa as well as take the gospel to other parts of the World. “We are living in a time where we have to embrace missions by everyone from everywhere to everywhere,” said Maina
Philip Mounstephen, Executive Leader of Church Mission Society, commented; “This moment is the fulfilment of CMS’ vision for mission in Africa. Over 10 years, CMS Africa has grown and matured, and is now at the vanguard of mission, not only for Africa, but throughout the world. Through Canon Moses and his team, I believe CMS Africa can be a catalyst to renew mindsets and transform communities for millions of Africans.”